The Old Course | St. Andrews Links
The Old Course at St Andrews
For golfers around the world, the Old Course at St Andrews is more than a tee time—it is a rite of passage. Every step across these storied fairways carries seven centuries of history, from the Swilcan Burn on the opening hole to the iconic Road Hole bunker on 17, and finally to the Valley of Sin before you finish beneath the shadow of the R&A Clubhouse. Along the way, you encounter names etched into golf’s folklore: Granny Clark’s Wynd, the Seven Sisters, Hell Bunker, and the Swilcan Bridge where generations have paused for the photo that every golfer dreams of.
The Old Course does not reveal its greatness in a single glance, it rewards those who pay attention. The subtleties of its humps, hollows, and blind angles make each round a lesson in creativity and strategy. As Bobby Jones himself once learned, frustration can give way to awe, and those who embrace its character discover a course unlike any other in the world.
At Cypress & Salt, we curate St Andrews itineraries that go beyond a tee sheet. From exclusive lodging in the Auld Grey Toon to private whisky tastings and guided walks through golf’s most historic town, we ensure your time at the Home of Golf is as rich off the course as it is on it. Playing the Old Course is the highlight, but living St Andrews in its entirety is what makes it unforgettable.
Course Stats — Old Course, St Andrews
Par: 72
Yardage: 7,305 yards
Course Rating: 75.2
Slope Rating: 139
Designer: Evolved over centuries (Old Tom Morris, 1865)
Type: True Links
Signature Holes: Road Hole (17), Swilcan Bridge (18)
Championships: 30 Open Championships
Season / Best Months to Play
Overall, Scotland is a year-round golf destination, but conditions vary dramatically:
April – May: Shoulder season, fewer crowds, crisp spring air, blooming gorse; courses firming up.
June – August: Peak season. Long daylight (up to 18 hours), warmer temps (60s–70s °F / 15–22 °C). Highest demand for Old Course & championship tee times.
September: Often considered the “sweet spot.” Still mild, fewer crowds, softer light, photogenic golf.
October: Shoulder season again. Unpredictable weather, but great value and atmosphere.
November – March: Off-season. Courses may be open but with shorter daylight, more rain, and winter greens. Generally not recommended for luxury travelers unless paired with whisky/castle tours.
Best Months for Luxury & Upscale Trips: May–September, with June–early September delivering the most reliable weather and longest playing days.
